Feeling uncertain about treatment options can increase the stress of an already challenging time. The many variables associated with addiction treatment can include basic outpatient therapy, intensive outpatient therapy, residential rehabilitation in a residential treatment setting, and more. Each type level of care provides clinicians with a different balance of structure, support and freedom.
This guide lays out these treatment options in a straight forward way. At the end, you will have a vocabulary to use with a professional; the goal is for you to feel more confident in choosing a safe next step.
What Is an Addiction Treatment Program and How Does It Help?
An addiction treatment program is a structured plan to assist a person with stopping using alcohol or drugs, and staying sober. Programs may be designed for addressing addiction to alcohol, prescriptive medication, and street drugs; also many treatment centers concurrently address mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression.
Treatment is not applied overnight. It is an ongoing process that intended to blend medical care, counseling, group treatment, skills training, intervention and support for family members. The goal is to equip the person with tools to deal with anxiety or stress, cravings, and everyday life without the addition of substances.
The two main forms of treatment are outpatient programming and residential treatment settings. Outpatient programming and residential treatment programs share the same goal, of helping a client in recovery stay sober; however, they differ in how much time is spent in treatment.
Common goals of any addiction treatment program
Some supportive steps are:
- Stopping substance use and staying sober one day at a time.
- Staying safe through withdrawal and getting medical help if needed.
- Learning coping skills to deal with stress, cravings, and emotions.
- Repairing relationships with family, friends, and employers.
- Creating a daily schedule to support health and recovery.
Staying connected to support after the program is over, such as support groups or therapy.
Outpatient Program: Flexible Addiction Treatment While Living at Home
An outpatient program allows a person to live at home but go to scheduled outpatient treatment. Many people attend therapy either before or after work, during school breaks, or on certain days of the week. An outpatient treatment program works for someone who is interested in getting help but has to maintain work, school, or family obligations.
Some of the benefits of outpatient care are flexibility, staying close to and supported by loved ones, cost, and they can practice new coping skills in real life situations immediately.
However, there are limits to outpatient care. When someone attends outpatient care, they spend more time around old triggers, like friends using or places associated with drinking? Outpatient care works when the home is somewhat stable and supports sobriety from at least a handful of people.
How a standard outpatient program works
While outpatient programs are classified in multiple different ways, most “standard” outpatient programming is done 1-3 times weekly and each episode normally lasts about an hour. The sessions can include individual counseling, group therapy, and psychoeducation about addiction, coping strategies, etc., for example. The patient is still residing at home, working or at school, and continue with many of their routines.
Who outpatient addiction treatment is best for
Outpatient treatment is generally appropriate for someone with mild or moderate addiction, someone with stable housing, and some level of sobriety support at home. The individual also does not have to encounter excessive triggers in their daily lifestyle and does not have high medical risks. This level of treatment is not enough for someone with severe cravings, a history of overdose, or multiple relapse episodes, and they may need a higher level of care.
Residential Rehab and Residential Treatment Centers: 24/7 Care in a Safe Setting
Residential rehab (also called residential treatment center) involves the individual living on site for a period of time. Staff are present 24/7. The environment is structured, has some level of safety, and provides distance from people, places, and things linked to use.
Residential treatment is more constant than outpatient programming. Days are structured with therapeutic time, group work, development of wellness, and other programming. There may be medical staff that help with withdrawal issues or anything related to their health. Counselors can engage with the individual on history of trauma and mental health, and family issues related to substance use.
Family sessions are often included in care, because addiction is a whole family issue. Before discharge, staff and clients collaborate on aftercare planning, which can include outpatient therapy, sober living, or support groups. The goal is to be discharged with a solid plan to increase the chances of long-term recovery.
What daily life looks like in a residential treatment center
A typical day may begin with a set wake up time and breakfast, followed by a morning check in. Participants may attend group therapy, education groups, and individual counseling. Afternoons may include skills groups, exercise, or quiet time. Evenings often include support meetings or fun activity, and then quiet time to prepare for sleep. The site is drug free, with clear structures and caring staff. This structure allows people to focus wholly on the particular issue of healing and reduces stress from outside triggers.
When residential rehab is the safer choice than outpatient care
Residential rehab is often the safest option, especially when addiction is severe, there is a high risk of medical issues during withdrawal, and there is a history of failed outpatient care. It can also help when the home environment is unsafe or unstable or has active addiction of partners or roommates. Serious mental health issues such as thoughts of suicide or psychosis may also need a higher level of care. Choosing to engage in residential care is a sign of strength and protection, not a failure.
How to Choose Between Outpatient Programs and Residential Treatment
Selecting a care level involves a medical assessment and a personal choice. The most sensible first step is to consult a qualified professional such as an addiction medicine physician, counselor, or therapist, who can conduct an evaluation that includes issues related to substance use history, mental health, home environment, and medical issues.
In general, the more serious the addiction and the less stability at home, the more structure the person needs. Many individuals begin with residential rehabilitation care, and gradually step down to a frequent, intensive outpatient program, and then eventually to a less frequent outpatient program as they develop strength. Regardless of the path forward, recovery will be made decision by decision.
Key questions to discuss with a treatment professional
Here are some of the questions you might want to think about before making a decision:
– How serious is my addiction and how dangerous would withdrawal be?
– What support and structure do I currently have in my home environment?
– Which type of program could accommodate my health and my work/family demands?
– How long should treatment be at each level?
– What will aftercare and follow up support look like?
Conclusion
Both outpatient programs and residential facilities offer real options for recovery. The decision rests on safety, medical risk, and support at home. You do not have to make the decision alone.
Please talk to a doctor, a trusted counselor, or a local rehab center and ask the question you have, and even questions that you don’t have, or may not plan on asking. Clarity helps to alleviate fear. With the right level of care and ongoing support, long-term recovery is possible and you do not have to face addiction alone.
